MID CENTURY MAKEOVER | PALM SPRINGS

Modern Courtyard transformation

Hello Hello! I am thrilled to finally share the renovation of my Palm Springs Mid Century Modern escape with you. We literally revisited every little inch of the property and I think you’ll get a kick out of the before and after photos! Although the goal was to keep the integrity of the original Krisel Butterfly design, this home was in desperate need of modern upgrading and major design TLC.. We were absolutely aching to put our individual creative touches on it. But be careful what you wish for…

First things first: the front exterior courtyard. As they say “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. I’ve always felt the exterior is just as important as the interior to express the intent of the design. We all want to feel invited into our own home and we want guest to feel just as enticed.

I hope you will enjoy seeing the transformation!

Check out the courtyard BEFORE:

The ‘before’ combination of deep purple and mint green did not exactly create the warm and inviting palette we sought. So re-painting the exterior with pure white and steely grey design accents was the first step to a modern progression. Do you see what I see – the little purple lamp that looks like it is wearing a sun hat. I often find the human form in inanimate objects. Anyone else?!

AFTER…

BEFORE…

Though the sweet hand-painted sun rays beg the idea of illuminocity, we needed more than that to let some much needed light in. Fun fact: That plant in the right corner, (the only plant in the courtyard) was originally hanging from the ceiling with no roots in the ground! One of many interesting discoveries of this home!

Double doors, so synonymous with the mid century era, were a must! These fall in the style and function category – adding an element of grandeur, as well as providing privacy. The custom doors and new ironwork were painted Sherwin Williams Steely Grey to continue the simple fresh color palette used for both the interior and exterior. In this case, I just didn’t feel following the Palm Springs “bright colored door” trend was right. The grey doors create a streamlined and balanced look to the front view without compromising the important angles and details of the home. The result is calming to me.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN! We removed the roof over the courtyard to add some much needed brightness. But, it gets HOT in Palm Springs, so the addition of linear battens – in a random thoughtful order – create some shade and coverage. The sun plays a big part in the design, casting graphic shadows that change throughout the day. I have to give credit to my hubby for that idea! Since he is an architect, I do let him contribute to the design process from time to time. : )

Actually this project has reminded me that my man is really quite talented, and he’s inspired some really cool design aspects throughout the property. More to come on that (can’t wait to share!).

So you see, we are proof that remodeling with your partner doesn’t have to be an entirely negative experience! We can always find sunshine in the darkness, and for us, Palm Springs is that special place for finding it!

BEFORE…

AFTER…

The one thing I insisted upon was incorporating a water feature. When done right, it sets a relaxing tone and warm welcome. We designed a simple concrete trough with three centered water fountains to the right side of the walkway, creating soft and subtle movement. There is nothing like the sound of gently flowing water to calm you.

Above the water feature I chose a 3 dimensional diamond shaped concrete tile to give a retro nod and create a clean textural focal wall. New rectangle concrete pads that are the width of the double doors were poured to have a symmetrical break. We then lined the opposite side with beautiful yellow + green spiked agave and filled in with large black rock to create a sharp contrast to the white + gray.

Brass lighting and hardware details were added for the finishing touches, to give a bit of warmth and a show appreciation for the metal finish that was used with these original home designs in the 60’s, to blend then and now

I used a modern take on the iconic cone sconce for all of the outdoor lighting, handmade by Cedar & Moss.

Just to give you a taste of the interior – here’s a little sneak peek. I just love how the floor-to-ceiling picture window brings a huge amount of sunlight inside. Not to mention the pleasant view it provides to the exterior when walking through the hallway. It makes me smile every time. And jaunting through with a long flowing kaftan and a cocktail in hand, truly feels just as things should be in Palm Springs.

One of my favorite parts comes after dark, when the lighting illuminates the patterns, shapes and textures that lead us into an evening full of fun desert adventures.

Visit my next posts where I step inside to share the guest bath!

Or come check out the house in person in Palm Springs next week… It has been chosen to be featured in the MODERNISM WEEK Signature Home Tour. Go get your online tix here!

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The joy is in the discovery

Hello and welcome to my blog!
Please come along as I catalogue my exploration of modern design and the overarching desire to find and deliver a unique perspective. Here, I’ll share personal projects, colorful adventures, and artful inspirations that are ever-present in the journey.